Former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has denied that it was his decision to leave the band.

As previously reported, the group published a statement on their website last month saying that for “personal reasons” Jordison was departing. Further information on the split was not forthcoming, and in an interview with US radio station 93X, frontman Corey Taylor said that “legally and respectfully” he was unable to go into any more detail at the time.

But obviously keen to get his key message out, despite the legal constraints, Jordison said in a Facebook post on New Year’s Day: “I would like to start the New Year by addressing the recent rumours and speculation regarding my departure from Slipknot. I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT. This band has been my life for the last eighteen years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans. This news has shocked and blindsided me as much as it has all of you. While there is much I would like to say, I must remain silent to further details at this time”.

Meanwhile, the remaining band members say they are preparing to begin work on their next album. And following speculation that this may not actually be the case (and that Jordison’s departure is basically the beginning of the end), Taylor tweeted last weekend: “For those who think The Knot are falling apart, you are greatly and sadly mistaken. Bring on 2014. Great things are coming. Stay tuned…”

Slipknot drummer and songwriter Joey Jordison has left the group, it was announced via their website last week.

The band said: “It is with great pain but quiet respect [that we announce] that for personal reasons Joey Jordison and Slipknot are parting ways. We all wish Joey the best in whatever his future holds. We understand that many of you will want to know how and why this has come to be, and we will do our best to respond to these questions in the near future”.

The group added that they will continue to prepare new material for release next year, in the form of their first album since the death of another founding member, bassist Paul Gray.

Asked if any contributions from Jordison would still appear on their new album, frontman Corey Taylor told US radio station 93X: “No. He’s been doing [other band] Scar The Martyr, so this is all fresh material that just a handful of us have been putting together. I’ve been writing some stuff. Jim Root has got a ton of stuff. The guys are together right now jamming and putting stuff together”.

As for any information on the split beyond the band’s fairly vague statement, Taylor said: “I can’t really talk about it right now. It’s still so fresh, and there’s a lot of things going on behind the scenes that people don’t know about. So, legally and respectfully, I can’t say a lot about it. As soon as we can say something we will. We’re trying to protect him, protect us – just making sure we do everything right because that’s what we would expect from ourselves and the fans. It’s difficult. But if people can bear with us we’ll cross that bridge when we can”.

Slipknot drummer and Murderdolls guitarist Joey Jordison has explained to fans why he cut short a Murderdolls gig in Bordeaux last week.

Writing on the band’s website, Jordison said: “I want to clear up what exactly happened. I have a condition with my ears called tinnitus, which in my case is very severe, and has been causing me excruciating pain for two years now. That night in Bordeaux, my tinnitus was at an extreme. I wanted to come out and play the best show that I could. However, due to technical difficulties, and high-end feedback that persisted in the monitors, the pain within my ears became unbearable”.

He continued: “I tried to attempt to play after I walked off the first time but it got worse. I’m okay, but I have to watch my ears so as not to cause any permanent damage. I want to apologise to the fans in attendance in Bordeaux, I meant no disrespect whatsoever and I hope that my fans understand this”.

Murderdolls begin a UK tour tomorrow, which coincidentally will see them performing on these shore throughout Tinnitus Awareness Week next week.

Organised by the British Tinnitus Association, the week-long drive aims to raise awareness of the condition, how to prevent it and how to cope with it. In his role as ambassador for the charity, CMU columnist and Xfm presenter Eddy Temple-Morris has arranged a free consultation with hearing specialists and a big discount on professional, custom-made earplugs. These are some of the best things you could possibly spend your money on. Better even than Jaffa Cakes.

To find out how to claim your discount, and to read Eddy’s column on this year’s Tinnitus Awareness Week, click here.